Paul Finebaum says ‘count me out’ on Arch Manning after bad start to 2025 season
By Mark Kern
Published:
Paul Finebaum spent the entire summer hyping up Arch Manning saying he was going to take over the college football world. Heading into the massive Week 1 opener at defending national champion Ohio State, Finebaum called Manning a “generational” quarterback and compared him to the great Tim Tebow.
However, things haven’t gone as planned for Manning. First he struggled in that game against the Buckeyes, but that was at least understandable for a quarterback making his first road start. In Week 3 though, things hit a new low as Manning was inefficient against UTEP.
Finebaum is officially off the bandwagon and said there’s no path for Manning to reach the Heisman Trophy ceremony this season.
“Listen, I’m not bright but I’m not the stupidest person on the face of the earth,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter on Sunday morning. “I’m out, okay? Count me out. I gave it a shot, he blew up. I like Arch. He’s going to be a great player some day, maybe some year, but not this year! It’s over. Come on. You can’t look at three weeks and find a way to the front row in New York (for the Heisman ceremony). So, nice knowing you Arch! See you soon.”
During the game on Saturday, things got so bad that the Texas crowd booed as Manning at one point threw nine consecutive incompletions.
He finished the game 11-of-25 for 114 yards and one touchdown. He also for the third consecutive game threw an interception. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters after the game he thought it was pressing.
The Longhorns have a defense that is capable of winning a national championship. That side of the ball is going to keep the team in pretty much every game they play. However, if this team is going to reach its potential, then Manning is going to have to show significant progress.
Up next for Texas is Sam Houston State, but then a road trip to Gainesville to take on Florida in two weeks is looming.
